The literature I've read supports roughly the same conclusions, but what matters is the frequency of dosing and the amounts. IIRC the studies that used "responsible" amounts of meth and amp both found little difference in irreversible damage, and the ones that did find differences used higher amounts. Which is why I stressed the importance of responsible use.
You're right - frequency of dosing and the amounts is definitely key.
Furthermore, I suspect that the dosages used in a significant portion of the corresponding research - aside from frequency - were exceptionally high. And if I recall correctly, at least one such study was clearly biased.
But how does making it decriminalized while still leaving the production into the hands of (semi-)amateurs with no regulations (think varying purity, adulterants, no taxation, the whole deal) make it a better solution than making it OTC produced by pharmaceutical companies with strict regulations regarding purity and dosage? I really fail to see how that's better in any way.
Good point and good question.
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if, when comparing the benefits and the risks of my proposal versus yours, you'd be the victor (both from a harm reduction standpoint in addition to an economical one).
I have a confession to make: Part of the reason why I took the stance that I did with Meth is because it continues to frighten me ever since I overdosed years back. And it's the reason why I stopped using Meth completely.
As a former conservative decades ago, the fear that I have for Meth reminds me of the days when I was relentlessly-burdened by a perpetually-frightened and embarrassingly-superstitious mindset towards 'change' in addition to 'the unknown'. It's a regressive type of cold feet which I'm eternally grateful that I have managed, for the most part, to shed.
As such, if it weren't for the aforementioned anxiousness, I would have acquiesced to your frame of mind from the outset.
I know, which is why I'm surprised to see this double standard thinking from you. I'm seeing it quite a lot from the most sophisticated drug enthusiasts lately and I'm trying to understand why.
I can't speak for my fellow BLers, friend, however in my case, fear of the substance - as a result of an especially-traumatic overdose - has clouded my judgment. But on the plus side, a protracted regimen of meditation and aerobic exercise has proven exceptionally-therapeutic.
E: ro4eva, what's your first language if you don't mind me asking? Your English is very good, I actually had no idea you weren't a native speaker.
Bei frate! De acum inainte, eu te numesc 'Beligerantul Beat,' și te voi folosi ca ?n filmele de cowboy cu Clint Eastwood - pace!
Thanks for the compliment! I don't mind at all - it's Romanian.
I couldn't speak a word of English for the first 8 years of my life. And as I'm sure you're aware, it certainly can be useful to know more than one language
That being said, some individuals tend to get really ticked off if they hear me speaking Romanian - in part, probably because phonetically, 'fuck' is a common verb in my mother tongue which means 'do'. Oh man do they get pissed off, LOL.
How about you, sir? Which languages are you proficient in (if you don't mind me asking)?